Here's to 50 more

Published: Friday, December 28, 2012 at 9:21 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, December 28, 2012 at 9:21 a.m.

The state simply cannot celebrate the 50th birthday of the Council for a Better Louisiana without wishing this vital institution another five decades and beyond to continue its crucial work.

The council has led the way on issues ranging from education to open government and continues to be an important voice for the people of the state and often a much-needed moral compass for our public servants.

CABL came to life in 1962, a group of dedicated Louisianans from a number of backgrounds, drawn together by the state’s condition: “The realization that our state is very sick of a malady that has undermined the moral fiber of the officials, driven away those that would make capital investments in industry in the state and caused Louisiana to sink in the estimation of the rest of the nation,” founding member Darwin Fenner told those in attendance at the first meeting.

The group was right to see the unfortunate truth about Louisiana, and it was forward-thinking and optimistic to seek to change those circumstances and restore our state to its former glory.

Some of CABL’s first victories came in the field of good government. CABL was instrumental in passing the state’s first code of ethics and its first effective campaign-finance laws, two essential components for any state government.

Among its most-significant was its 1965 recommendation to then-Gov. John McKeithen to create a biracial committee on civil rights. The governor created the body, which is now recognized as an important step on Louisiana’s journey toward racial equality.

And the list goes on.

In more-recent years, the organization has continued to trumpet good government and has focused on education reform in a state where both causes continue to be pressing needs.

CABL is an important voice of reason in a political arena where political seniority and job protection are too often the overriding concerns. And it continues to do so with a loud local input.

From Dr. James Peltier, who served as chairman of the organization in 1986, to Greg Stock, a member of the Board of Directors, to dedicated members Jimmy and Glenny Lee Buquet, to Alice Pecoraro, the group’s secretary, and many others, the local region has had a significant contribution to the outlook and direction of this great statewide institution.

CABL is marking 50 years of fighting the good fight. May it continue to do so for 50 more years or, preferably, until its role in public reform is no longer necessary.

Editorials represent the opinions of the newspaper, not of any individual.

<p>The state simply cannot celebrate the 50th birthday of the Council for a Better Louisiana without wishing this vital institution another five decades and beyond to continue its crucial work.</p><p>The council has led the way on issues ranging from education to open government and continues to be an important voice for the people of the state and often a much-needed moral compass for our public servants.</p><p>CABL came to life in 1962, a group of dedicated Louisianans from a number of backgrounds, drawn together by the state's condition: “The realization that our state is very sick of a malady that has undermined the moral fiber of the officials, driven away those that would make capital investments in industry in the state and caused Louisiana to sink in the estimation of the rest of the nation,” founding member Darwin Fenner told those in attendance at the first meeting.</p><p>The group was right to see the unfortunate truth about Louisiana, and it was forward-thinking and optimistic to seek to change those circumstances and restore our state to its former glory.</p><p>Some of CABL's first victories came in the field of good government. CABL was instrumental in passing the state's first code of ethics and its first effective campaign-finance laws, two essential components for any state government.</p><p>Among its most-significant was its 1965 recommendation to then-Gov. John McKeithen to create a biracial committee on civil rights. The governor created the body, which is now recognized as an important step on Louisiana's journey toward racial equality.</p><p>And the list goes on.</p><p>In more-recent years, the organization has continued to trumpet good government and has focused on education reform in a state where both causes continue to be pressing needs.</p><p>CABL is an important voice of reason in a political arena where political seniority and job protection are too often the overriding concerns. And it continues to do so with a loud local input.</p><p>From Dr. James Peltier, who served as chairman of the organization in 1986, to Greg Stock, a member of the Board of Directors, to dedicated members Jimmy and Glenny Lee Buquet, to Alice Pecoraro, the group's secretary, and many others, the local region has had a significant contribution to the outlook and direction of this great statewide institution.</p><p>CABL is marking 50 years of fighting the good fight. May it continue to do so for 50 more years or, preferably, until its role in public reform is no longer necessary.</p><p>Editorials represent the opinions of the newspaper, not of any individual.</p>